A horse rider died after a car struck his mount on 13th Beach Road, Connewarre, at 6.45am on Monday, according to police.
The rider, believed to be in his early 30’s, died at the scene, while the driver of the car and the horse sustained minor injuries, police said.
Investigators were preparing a report for the Coroner and continuing their investigation, a police spokesperson said.
Worksafe officials were also at the scene as the incident was work-related, its spokesperson said.
The Herald Sun on Monday morning reported the deceased rider was a stablehand for Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Danny O’Brien.
The man was believed to be a Japanese national, the newspaper reported.
The man’s death brought the Victorian road toll to 48, down on 57 the same time last year.
Police urged anyone with information or dash cam footage of incident to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.